The automotive world doesn't get much more competitive than the compact crossover class, but even amid impressive rivals, Hyundai's recently redesigned Santa Fe Sport stands out. Scads of interior space and a pair of puissant powertrains distinguish the five-passenger soft-roader (which is also offered as the seven-passenger, midsize Santa Fe), as does a ritzy cabin that wouldn't look out of place in a premium model.

Recent Changes
The Santa Fe Sport received its mid-cycle refresh for the new model year. Changes include new front and rear styling, a host of safety and entertainment upgrades, and a new trim level - the 2.0T Ultimate.

Overview
These days, most "compact" crossovers belie their segment nomenclature with generous exterior dimensions, and the nearly midsize Santa Fe Sport only advances that trend. Inside, it's especially roomy, with plenty of space for both front and rear occupants along with 35.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. Fold the rear seats down, and there's a generous 71.5 cubes to be had.

Performance and Handling
The Santa Fe Sport can be spec'd with the buyer's choice of two engines, both of which team with a standard six-speed automatic transmission.

The entry-level motor is a 2.4-liter direct-injected four-cylinder that produces a class-competitive 190 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is rated at 21/29 city/highway mpg with standard front-wheel-drive and 20/26 mpg with optional all-wheel-drive. Those figures mean the base engine Santa Fe Sport is significantly less efficient than many rival crossovers.

Those looking for more get-up-and-go power can opt for a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which pumps out 264 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. It returns 20/27 mpg with FWD and 19/24 with AWD.

The base engine is rated to tow 2,000lbs. The 2.0T is rated to tow up to 3,500 lbs.

On the handling front, the Santa Fe Sport is the first non-luxury crossover to offer a torque vectoring system. Dubbed Torque Vectoring Corner Control, it's included as part of the AWD system and reduces understeer by braking the inside rear wheel in turns.

The 'ute also offers driver selectable steering system, which offers three operating modes (comfort, normal and sport) with varying degrees of steering resistance.

A Popular Equipment package available exclusively on the Base model adds a 7-inch display with Android Auto compatibility, dual-zone climate control, BlueLink connectivity, a power driver seat with lumbar support, LED DRLs, front fog lights and roof side rails.

Stepping up from the Base to the 2.0T means not only a powertrain upgrade but several additional standard features that require packages on the Base, including a power eight-way driver's seat and power 4-way passenger seat, sliding second-row seats, a leather wrapped wheel and shift knob, an auto-dimming mirror, and an upgraded audio system with HD Radio and a 7-inch display as well as Android Auto compatibility, among others.

The 2.0T Ultimate incorporates just about all of the options available in Base model packages as standard equipment. The only optional equipment on the Ultimate is an exclusive Tech package which adds smart cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, an electronic parking brake and automatic dynamic bending headlamps with high beam assist.

Occupant Safety
All Santa Fe Sport models come standard with dual front, front side and full-length side curtain airbags in addition to a driver's knee airbag, stability and traction control systems and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

Key Competitors
Rivals to the Santa Fe Sport and numerous and well-credentialed. The Honda CR-V offers a high level of practicality and numerous standard features; the Ford Escape impresses with efficient EcoBoost engines and available technology features; and the Mazda CX-5 is the sports car of the segment, providing agile and engaging driving dynamics.

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